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Pierce could feel Shira trying to form words, but she was still a passive presence. He hesitated. So far she had acted within him—but he had never allowed her to control him. If he let go … could she maintain control? Could she force his consciousness into the sphere?

There is no time. You must let me speak.

The temperature in the area was beginning to rise. Pierce let go, and Shira rushed in to fill the void.

“Talkos. Han’tal. Isk.” Pierce heard himself speak with a strange, alien voice, deep and rasping. “Archshaper Kastoruk has come to Karul’tash, bringing slaves and supplies. Open the gate and let fall the wards.”

As the echoes died away, Pierce felt Shira disappear into the shadows of his mind. His voice was his again. The gate melted, obsidian liquefying and flowing in to line the long dark corridor on the other side. For a split second, the invisible labyrinth flashed into view, a complex maze formed of walls of red energy—and slowly, the walls faded away.

“That was … strange,” Lei said. “Is it safe now?”

“Yes. Stay here, and I will signal Daine.” Pierce sprinted across the field, moving at his top speed. Traveling in a straight line, it took him less than twenty seconds to reach the middle of the field and catch the party’s attention. He waved, and they began to move across the field.

It was only then that he saw the movement to the east, just above the treeline.

A firesled heading for Karul’tash.

Daine swore. Years ago he’d vowed never to use a bow, but if Pierce had left arrows, he would have broken the oath in an instant.

“Lakashtai, link us now!” he yelled as he sprinted forward, “and I want Shen’kar!”

Done.

You soil my soul with your thoughts, outlander! Shen’kar’s mental voice was filled with fury. Only the spirits may speak to me so!

THERE’S NO TIME FOR THIS! Daine roared, and Shen’kar faded to silence. Pierce! Catch! Pierce was still running toward him, and Daine flung the longbow at the warforged with every ounce of strength he could muster. Pierce leapt up and caught the whirling weapon, and by the time he had landed he had an arrow to the string.

Back to the monolith! Daine commanded. Drop the staff-wielder if you get a clear shot, but we need to get the wards back up. The others can’t be far away!

The firesled was closing on the monolith. Daine was running at full speed, but he was still far from the crimson tower.

Lei! Take cover!

Her thoughts are not linked to ours, Daine. Lakashtai’s thoughts were calm and cool. The power has a limited range, and she is still too far.

A ball of flame engulfed the gate of the spire. When the smoke cleared, Daine could see no sign of Lei. She’s no fool, Daine thought. She must have gone inside.

They come, Shen’kar thought.

The edge of the jungle was alive with fire. Dozens of Sulatar soldiers were emerging from the treeline, carrying burning banners and flaming spears.

Run! Daine said. We can’t engage them in the open. We need to reach the gates!

Uul’she and Kulikoor will slow the advance, Shen’kar thought, and I shall show them the danger mocking the clouds.

Slow the … Shen’kar, that’s suicide. Call them back!

It is already done. It is the right of the warrior to choose his death.

“Elves,” Daine muttered, but he thought of the battles he’d fought, and the courage of two soldiers who would face an army. Good luck. To all of you.

A second blast of flame burst against the gate of the monolith. Shen’kar sang a soft invocation and then pulled away from Daine, racing forward with inhuman speed. He was a ghostly blur in the fading light of dusk. Moments later he had reached the gates, and without pausing he vaulted into the air, rising in an astonishing thirty-foot arc. He slammed into the side of the sled and pulled himself aboard. The bombardier raised her hand, and Shen’kar was engulfed in a cone of fire. Even as Daine cried out, the fire faded—and Shen’kar was unhurt.

You cannot burn the wraith with flames, Shen’kar whispered into Daine’s mind. I am a shadow of the night, and such magicks